Description:
This is a fine example of a swift-swimming predatory fish from
the lithographic limestone deposits of Eichstatt, Germany, known
as Thrissops formosus. These 150 million year old deposits are
famous for their exceptionally well-preserved organisms, the
most famous of which are the handful of specimens of the ancient
bird Archaeopteryx. That exceptional preservation is displayed
here as well, down to the wonderfully-preserved caudal fin. This
one was a predator in every sense of the word. It is a member
of the Ichtyodectidae which includes my favorite fish: Xiphactinus
from the Cretaceous of Kansas. There is a 4.0 meter long specimen
on display at the Sternberg Museum in Hays, Kansas with a 1.8
m Gillicus preserved in its stomach, proof positive that these
were highly efficient pursuit predators. The repaired crack does
not involve the specimen itself, and the matrix has been reinforced
as well for additional protection.